How It Works: Electric Motors

Learn what the differences are between brushed and brushless electric motors

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Power tools use electric motors. In this “How It Works” article, senior editor Justin Fink describes the differences between brushed motors and a new technology, brushless motors. Both types of motor rely on a combination of magnets and electromagnets to create rotation. The design of a brushed motor requires a physical connection between two of the parts, which creates friction and a subsequent amount of wasted energy. A brushless motor has no such connection, so no energy is wasted as the motor operates. A related article appears in FHB #226 under the “Tools & Materials” department.